Fair Work Inspectors hit Sydney

Fair Work Inspectors conducted surprise audits of restaurants,
bars and cafes in Glebe Point Road, Sydney, last week to check
businesses are complying with workplace laws.

More than 50 businesses on the strip were audited, following the
Fair Work Ombudsman receiving intelligence and allegations from
members of the public about non-compliance by employers in the
popular cheap eats precinct.

The audits involve Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors assessing
time-and-wage records to check businesses are paying employees
their full lawful entitlements and complying with pay slip and
record-keeping laws.

Inspectors also spoke with various business operators and their
employees.

The inner-western Sydney suburb of Glebe is popular with city
workers, students and backpackers due to the low prices charged in
many restaurants, bars and cafes along Glebe Point Road.

The Fair Work Ombudsman says inspectors were keen to assess
whether the low prices are due to efficiencies in business
practices, as opposed to underpayment of minimum employee
entitlements.

"With many businesses in the area operating seven days a weeks,
we are focusing on ensuring employees are being paid applicable
penalty rates for weekend and night work," The Fair Work
Ombudsman said.

"We also want to be proactive about checking vulnerable
employees - including young, migrant and overseas workers - are
receiving their full entitlements because we know they can be
reluctant to complain and are sometimes not fully aware of their
rights."

Assessment of time-and-wages records obtained during the audits
is ongoing.

A public report on the results of the campaign will be issued
early next year.